Teacher Assistant

Teacher Assistant

The position is responsible for supporting the campus in everything pertaining to the curriculum, guidance of children under his/her supervision, providing support in the classroom and other duties as assigned. The Teacher Assistant will support the planning and implementation of high-quality early education and child development services and support ongoing assessment and guidance to Early Head Start (EHS) & Head Start (HS) children (birth to five (5) years). This position is responsible for the implementation of the Head Start Performance Standards and all other regulatory requirements for their assigned campus.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Demonstrate knowledge of Brazoria County Head Start (BCHS) mission, goals, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Head Start's Performance Standards, Early Learning Outcomes, and other regulatory requirements.
• Communicate and collaborate with all campus and content area staff to support the implementation of services that meet the needs of children and families assigned to their campus.
• Communicate and collaborate with teaching staff, substitutes and volunteers to implement services that meet the needs of children and their families assigned to their respective campuses.
• Support the campus by observing and supervising children. Ensure child to staff ratio is always maintained by supporting the teaching staff in the classroom, as well as, supporting classroom for staff breaks.
• Ensure children's health and safety are in accordance with all regulations.
• Supervise children at all times including while on/in playground, restrooms, classroom, field trips, etc. ensuring a safe environment at all times.
• Work with the teachers to set up and implement well-organized classrooms that are developmentally appropriate and inviting for pre-school age children.
• Work with the teachers to safeguard the equipment (indoor and outdoor) and materials assigned to classrooms, ensuring adequate supplies are available for all children.
• Ensure family style with the children sharing the same menu to direct manners and socialization.
• Promote the importance of basic self-help skills such as brushing teeth and washing hands.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents to engage them in their child (ren)'s learning.
• Demonstrate on-going personal and professional growth and development to meet program and regulatory requirements.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Must be a self-starter.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with team members and management.
• Must be results oriented.
• Must have superior organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to work independently or on teams in a challenging work atmosphere.
• Must have an exceptional aptitude for attention to detail.
• Must be able to prioritize and balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment, discretion, maintain the confidentiality of all Brazoria County Head Start (BCHS) stakeholders.
• Must be able to contribute to building a positive team spirit; put success of team above own interests; support everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Must be able to show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promote a harassment-free environment.
• Must be able to treat people with respect and dignity; work with integrity and ethically uphold the Agency's mission and values.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Minimum qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent and ability to enroll and complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 2 years.
• Twelve (12) months in a similar position working with pre-school aged children and able to supervise and interact with a group of 15-20 preschool children.

Preferred qualifications:

• Child Development Credential (CDA) certification or enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Physical demands & work environment:

• Physically fit to endure 8-to-12-hour workdays. This will include sitting, walking, bending, reading, etc.
• Physically capable to lift up to 30 pounds as needed throughout the day.
• Physically capable to push up to 40 pounds as needed throughout the day.
• Ability to use calculator, copier, and fax machine.

The work environment is that which is typical of a classroom setting. The noise level in the environment is usually very loud and noisy.

Other:

Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and have access to a vehicle which is insured as required by the Texas Financial Responsibility Law.